Forest Road 28 winds upward for 30 minutes west of Highway 93, climbing roughly 2,000 feet to reach Williams Lake Campground in the timbered hills above Salmon. This Bureau of Land Management site sits on forested terrain with spacious campsites that provide privacy between groups. The winding dirt access road requires attention, particularly on the downhill return trip.
Sites accommodate multiple tents easily, with large fire rings and vault toilets available year-round. Water access varies seasonally—available during summer months but shut off by early November. The campground stays remarkably quiet, with Labor Day weekend visits sometimes yielding only one other camping party in the entire facility. Williams Lake sits just a 3-5 minute walk from the campsites, offering swimming and cliff jumping opportunities from a small island accessible by swimming.
"Just remember to put it out!" advises Matthew F. about the substantial fire pits. The facility maintains clean bathrooms and provides garbage disposal. Campers seeking more options can explore places to camp near Salmon at lower elevations. Check vehicle brakes before the descent, and bring a reliable car for the mountain road approach.
Description
Overview
Williams Lake Campground offers 9 campsites for both RV and tent camping. Potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and ample shade are available at all sites. RVs and trailers are not recommended on the lower loop past Site 6.
Recreation
Campground is 2 miles from Forest Service boat dock and Williams Lake access area. Williams Lake is popular with anglers and offers both motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities. The surrounding area offers a multitude of recreation opportunities including motorized and non-motorized trails, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites for both RV and tent camping. Each site is equipped with accessible picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Potable water and vault toilets are provided. No hookups are available at this location.
Natural Features
The campsites do not offer views of Williams Lake, but they are nestled among Douglas-fir trees that provide ample shade and wildlife habitat. Lake access is located 2 miles away at the Forest Service boat dock and access area.
Nearby Attractions
Williams Lake Shoup Bridge Campground
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 756-5400.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWilliams Lake Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
Take Highway 93 South of Salmon, ID for 5 miles. Turn right on Williams Creek Road and cross Shoup Bridge. Continue on Williams Creek Road for 4 miles. Turn left on Williams Lake Road and continue for 10 miles. Follow signs for campground and Forest Service boat ramp.
Address
1206 S Challis St
Salmon, ID 83467
Coordinates
45.024183 N
113.965303 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 57 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 13 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 57 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 10 min from Bozeman, MT















